Nollywood star Funke Akindele has opened up about the significant role D’banj played in shaping her career, particularly in transforming Jenifa into a household brand.
Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference of the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, the actress and filmmaker reflected on her journey to success. While she credited God as the ultimate source of her achievements, she acknowledged how D’banj’s support and advice helped her take Jenifa to the next level.
She recalled a pivotal moment in 2009 after the success of the first Jenifa movie:
“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first Jenifa was released in 2009, and it was a turning point. Amidst the buzz, a club owner invited me to an event, and that’s where I met D’banj.
He asked me what I was doing with the Jenifa brand, and I said, ‘I have moved on to something else.’ He said, ‘No! You have to milk it. This is a brand—it shouldn’t just end there. Go and write another script.’
He even gave me some money, and I went back to writing.”
Taking D’banj’s advice, Funke Akindele expanded Jenifa into a full-fledged franchise. After the original 2008 film, she followed up with:
- The Return of Jenifa (2011) – a feature sequel.
- Jenifa’s Diary (2015–present) – a hit TV series.
- Aiyetoro Town (2019) – a spin-off.
- Jenifa on Lockdown (2021) – another sequel.
- Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024) – a record-breaking installment.
This franchise solidified Funke Akindele as Nollywood’s box-office queen and Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer.
Funke Akindele emphasized that her success was built on hard work and determination, but D’banj’s belief in Jenifa helped her see its long-term potential. Today, Jenifa is one of Nollywood’s most successful and enduring franchises, and Funke continues to dominate the industry.
D’banj’s words proved prophetic—Jenifa didn’t just fade away. It became a legacy.
